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10 Last-Minute NHL Trades That Make Too Much Sense

10 Last-Minute NHL Trades That Make Too Much Sense

Phil Kessel Toronto Maple Leafs 2014-15
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As the trade deadline inches closer and closer, more teams will be looking to make moves that solidify them down the stretch. Here are 10 moves teams could make that would make sense given the market right now.

10. Scottie Upshall To Winnipeg Jets

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10. Scottie Upshall To Winnipeg Jets

Upshall
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With Evander Kane out of the picture, the team could use some sandpaper in their bottom six, and Scottie Upshall brings just that every night. With Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford now on board, a bit piece like Upshall would be the perfect add for the Jets as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since returning to Winnipeg.

9. Keith Yandle To Detroit Red Wings

NHL: Phoenix Coyotes at Buffalo Sabres
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9. Keith Yandle To Detroit Red Wings

NHL: Phoenix Coyotes at Buffalo Sabres
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The Detroit Red Wings have had blue line troubles for years and the Massachusetts native could aid just that. Keith Yandle would give the team’s power play a shot in the arm and make Detroit a sneaky dangerous team in the Eastern Conference.

8. Chris Neil To Chicago Blackhawks

Toronto Maple Leafs v Ottawa Senators
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8. Chris Neil To Chicago Blackhawks

Toronto Maple Leafs v Ottawa Senators
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The career Senator would be a great addition to the team’s bottom lines and would be great in a Western Conference playoff series. Snarl and tenacity go a long way in big games, and Chris Neil brings both of those to the table every night.

7. Jaromir Jagr To Washington Capitals

Jaromir Jagr
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7. Jaromir Jagr To Washington Capitals

Jaromir Jagr
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A reunion between the two parties would be a great story, but also great hockey. The Washington Capitals' first line right wing situation has been a debacle, and despite being a little older, I think Jaromir Jagr would fit like a glove with Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom.

6. Jeff Petry To Anaheim Ducks

New York Rangers v Edmonton Oilers
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6. Jeff Petry To Anaheim Ducks

New York Rangers v Edmonton Oilers
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The Anaheim Ducks are one of the deepest teams in the NHL, and Jeff Petry would add even more depth to the squad’s blue line. I’m sure Petry would welcome a move away from the Edmonton Oilers and to a team like Anaheim that has legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations.

5. Chris Stewart To Boston Bruins

Detroit Red Wings v Buffalo Sabres
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5. Chris Stewart To Boston Bruins

Detroit Red Wings v Buffalo Sabres
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The Boston Bruins have lacked a sizable presence at the first line right wing spot since Jarome Iginla moved on this summer, and Chris Stewart could fill that void. Stewart is streaky and has consistency issues, but with the Bruins in need of a shakeup, I can see him being the right fit.

4. Andrej Sekera To Los Angeles Kings

Andrej Sekera
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4. Andrej Sekera To Los Angeles Kings

Andrej Sekera
Brace Hemmelgarn - USA Today Sports

Slava Voynov’s legal troubles really shook up the Los Angeles Kings' blue line, causing Drew Doughty to play nearly 30 minute per night. Adding a veteran defenseman like Andrej Sekera would ease the burden on Doughty, and make the reigning champions even more dangerous down the stretch.

3. Zbynek Michalek To Tampa Bay Lightning

Phoenix Coyotes v Dallas Stars
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3. Zbynek Michalek To Tampa Bay Lightning

Phoenix Coyotes v Dallas Stars
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With Radko Gudas and Matt Carle hurt, the Tampa Bay Lightning need some help on defense, and Zbynek Michalek brings that. The Arizona Coyotes will be looking to move his expiring contract, and Tampa would welcome his shot-blocking and defensive acumen.

2. Sean Bergenheim To Pittsburgh Penguins

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2. Sean Bergenheim To Pittsburgh Penguins

sean-bergenheim-rob-grabowski
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Sean Bergenheim wants out of South Florida, and the Pittsburgh Penguins could use the depth, speed and experience the forward brings to the table. Bergenheim also has a track record of producing in Pittsburgh in the playoffs -- his goal in Game 7 of the 2011 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals gave the Tampa Bay Lightning a 1-0 win over the Penguins in Steeltown.

1. Phil Kessel To Florida Panthers

Kessel
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1. Phil Kessel To Florida Panthers

Kessel
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Florida Panthers need a high-end scorer, the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of a firesale, and Phil Kessel could use a change of scenery, making this a near perfect fit. With a high-end sniper like Kessel on board, the Panthers could return to the playoffs and be a dark horse contender in the Eastern Conference.

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